When war was declared on 1 September 1939, the people of Devon pulled
together in a way that they hadn't done since the Great War of 1914-18.
This book covers the people of Devon's contribution to the war effort,
from the commencement of the conflict in September 1939, to its end in
September 1945. It features many forgotten news stories of the day and
looks at the changes to civilian's everyday lives, entertainment, spies
and the internment of aliens living within the area.
Devon became vital as a base for troops and as a dispatch point for the
many men who left to fight in Europe. Several RAF bases were also
established within the county to repel German attacks. Air raid shelters
were erected in gardens and at public places and many children living in
larger cities were swiftly evacuated to the countryside, as Plymouth and
Exeter both suffered greatly from German bombing, with much of Plymouth
being obliterated. Carrying a gas mask, rationing, the make-do-and-mend
culture and the collection of scrap metal all became a generic way of
life.
Many of the jobs left open by men fighting abroad were taken up by women
on the Home Front. The Women's Voluntary Service assisted with the
evacuation of mothers and children to the country, carried out civil
defense duties and provided food and clothing for the many refugees from
occupied Europe.
During the buildup to D Day, American troops were trained and stationed
within the county before leaving for the beaches of Normandy. Slapton
Sands, Dartmoor and Woolacombe were all used as training grounds with
tragic loss of life at Slapton.
Devon played a truly vital role in the war and its people contributed
greatly to bringing the world changing conflict to an end.
